Are RNs responsible for the actions of LPNs in home health?

Nurse Barb RN · Jun 16, 2011

If you have delegated to the LPN, and the LPN botch that delegated task whether on your shift or not, yes, you are responsible. If the LPN was doing something you advised and botched it, yes, you are responsible, and it does not matter when they did it. It is connected to you. This much I know. If this is not the case however, I am not sure where that responsibility lies. I am a fairly new RN and delving deeper into delegation of non-licensed personnel (LPN & CNA/PCA/PCT).

RubyRN,CHPN · Jun 17, 2011

The LPN has a license and is responsible for her scope as it pertains to her license and her own individual practice. However in home health, you as the RN are responsible for the POC and that the LPN is following the POC . Therefore, if your plan of care states that Mr. Jones will recieve a foley cath change on the 15th of every month with a 16F/5cc foley filled to 8 cc and the LPN changes the catheter and doesn't follow the POC, you are responsible to clarify the plan of care with her. If the LPN was communicated the POC after the POC was up to date and the LPN inserted a 20F/30cc catheter,she is then responsible for her practice. So, make sure your plan of care and orders are up to date and carefully communicated to the LPNs. BTW, LPN's do have a license.

caliotter3 · Jun 18, 2011

Unless you have been delegated a supervisory role as the primary nurse on the case, your responsibility ends with you. The primary nurse is normally only responsible for the clinical/administrative upkeep of the case, not supervising anyone. The responsible RN is the clinical nurse supervisor, not you. If your employer wants to change the rules of the home health game, tell them to please do so in writing and make certain that the other nurses get a copy, so they know that you will be providing input into their performance evaluations.